Bideawee Ball 2018 to be Hosted by Broadway Veteran Gregg Edelman on May 21

New York, New York, March 5, 2018 – Bideawee, a leading animal welfare and pet adoption organization serving metropolitan New York and Long Island, today revealed it will host this year’s Bideawee Ball at The Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on May 21. The Ball is the organization’s premier social event of the year and features cocktails, seated dinner, dancing and awards to those who have made a difference in the lives of homeless animals.

“We are thrilled to announce that in honor of the Broadway theme, our host is Broadway veteran Gregg Edelman,” said Leslie Granger, President and CEO at Bideawee. “We feel privileged to have Gregg’s support of our fundraiser, and are looking forward to celebrating the evening with him as our emcee. Gregg has starred on Broadway and in television and film for more than 20 years, and has received four Tony nominations during his career, so he is the perfect choice for this year’s event.”

The charity gala will also recognize four individuals for their contributions to Bideawee and support for programs that help adoptable pets find forever homes. The 2018 Bideawee Honorees are:

Honoree Anthony Milone, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Cross County Savings Bank is active in his local community, serving on numerous boards and leading various community fundraising efforts, and is a life-long animal lover.

Honoree John Olsen has been an active Bideawee supporter since 2013, contributing as a gala committee member and then as chair in 2015 and 2016. During his time as chair, the gala set new records in total donations, raising more than $1 million.

Junior Honoree Matilda Wilkes is a Year 5 student at the British International School in Manhattan. She has volunteered on the weekends at Bideawee for almost two years with her parents. Matilda and her family foster Marlon Brando, the former long-term Bideawee resident who has an auto-immune disorder. Marlon has flourished since becoming a special member of the Wilkes family.

Flora Kibbe Humane Hero Recipient William Berloniis the first animal trainer ever to be a Tony Award Honoree. He has worked with 27 Broadway shows, and all the dogs he trains are rescues. He is the Animal Director of the new musical, “Because of Winn Dixie,” and has also trained animals for hundreds of off-Broadway shows, regional theater, touring musicals, television, and movies.

The Ball, which is black tie optional, attracts hundreds of socially active animal lovers from New York City’s business, social and celebrity communities. Attendees have the opportunity to win unique experiences and special offerings during the silent and live auctions. Prizes featured include: a vacation rental in Martha’s Vineyard; a personal chef for the day; VIP tickets to the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall; Yankees, Knicks, Mets, Nets, Islanders and Rangers tickets; two nights for two at The Algonquin Hotel; gift cards to upscale New York City restaurants; golf packages, unique pet gifts and treats; and more!

Bideawee, which means “stay awhile,” in Scottish, is one of the country’s oldest and most respected animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. Founded in 1903, Bideawee’s mission is to be Greater New York’s leader in rescuing, caring for, and placing homeless cats and dogs with people who love them. Bideawee provides an array of high touch services including adoption centers, animal hospitals, pet therapy programs, and pet memorial parks that serve pets and pet lovers on their lifelong journey together. Bideawee is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 humane animal organization and 100% of Bideawee’s funding comes from private sources. Bideawee operates adoption centers in New York City and Westhampton. For more information, visit: www.Bideawee.org.